How Much is Level 40 Riding in WoW? A Comprehensive Guide
The cost of learning to ride at level 40 in World of Warcraft varies depending on the version of the game you’re playing. In WoW Classic, it’s straightforward: you’ll pay 20 gold for the racial riding skill that allows you to ride your race-specific mounts. However, the total cost will include the mount as well.
Diving Deeper into Level 40 Riding Costs Across WoW Versions
The price of riding and mounts in WoW has changed significantly across different expansions and iterations of the game. Let’s break down the costs in several popular versions:
WoW Classic: A Simpler System
In WoW Classic, the system is quite simple and nostalgic. Here’s a breakdown:
- Riding Skill: 20 gold (one racial riding skill available at level 40)
- Mount: Either 80, 100, or 1000 gold, depending on the mount’s rarity. Rare racial mounts cost 80 gold, while epic mounts command a much higher price of 1000 gold.
Therefore, to get your first mount at level 40 in WoW Classic, you’re looking at a minimum of 100 gold (20 gold for the skill + 80 gold for the mount). If you opt for an epic mount, the total jumps to 1020 gold.
Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) Classic: A More Affordable Option
WotLK Classic introduces some changes to the riding system, making it more accessible:
- Journeyman Riding (Skill): 50 gold (reduced from 60)
- Mount: 10 gold
However, keep in mind that reputation discounts can further reduce these costs. If you’re Honored with your home faction, the training cost drops to 45 gold, and the mount cost reduces to 9 gold. This means you can potentially get riding and a mount for as little as 54 gold.
Modern WoW (Retail): Leveling Changes
In modern WoW, the leveling process has been streamlined, and riding skills are acquired at different levels. However, since the core question is about level 40:
- You’ll likely have already learned Apprentice Riding and possibly Journeyman Riding by the time you reach level 40, as the leveling process is quicker. Therefore, no additional gold may be needed at level 40 for your base riding skill.
- Mount costs vary widely based on rarity, source (vendor, drop, achievement), and appearance.
It’s worth noting that in retail WoW, many mounts can be obtained through means other than direct purchase (e.g., quests, achievements, drops from raids), impacting the overall cost.
Why the Cost Matters and How to Save Gold
Understanding the cost of riding at level 40 is crucial because it can significantly impact your early gameplay experience. Being able to traverse the world quickly makes questing, exploring, and traveling between dungeons and raids much more efficient.
Here are some tips for saving gold:
- Reputation Discounts: Always prioritize gaining reputation with your faction. Reaching Exalted can significantly reduce the cost of riding skills and mounts.
- Farming and Auction House: Spend time farming materials and selling them on the Auction House to generate income.
- Questing: Complete as many quests as possible, as they often provide gold rewards.
- Professions: Level up professions like Mining and Herbalism to gather valuable resources to sell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the riding skill in WoW Classic?
In WoW Classic, the racial riding skill costs 20 gold at level 40.
2. How much does a level 40 mount cost in WoW Classic?
The cost of a level 40 mount in WoW Classic is either 80, 100, or 1000 gold, depending on its rarity. Rare mounts cost 80 gold, and epic mounts cost 1000 gold.
3. How much is Master Riding in modern WoW?
Master Riding costs 5,000 gold but can be discounted to a maximum of 4,000 gold with Exalted reputation with a race’s faction.
4. How much is Expert Riding in modern WoW?
Expert Riding costs 250 gold but can be discounted to 200 gold with Exalted reputation with Orgrimmar (Horde) or Stormwind (Alliance).
5. How much is level 40 riding in WotLK Classic?
In WotLK Classic, Journeyman Riding costs 50 gold, and the mount costs 10 gold. With Honored reputation, the costs can be reduced to 45 gold and 9 gold respectively.
6. How much does an epic mount cost in WoW Classic?
An epic mount in WoW Classic costs 1000 gold.
7. What is the most expensive mount in WoW?
The Spectral Tiger loot card is known to have sold for up to $4,900, making it one of the most expensive mounts.
8. How much does a rare racial mount cost?
A rare racial mount typically costs 80 gold, which can be reduced to 64 gold with reputation discounts.
9. How do I get 310% mount speed?
310% mount speed is typically achieved by obtaining specific reward mounts from expansions like Wrath of the Lich King. For Druids, specific Flight Forms can also grant this speed.
10. How much is level 40 riding in Classic?
Level 40 riding in WoW Classic requires purchasing the racial riding skill for 20 gold, plus the cost of the mount (80, 100, or 1000 gold).
11. Is level 50 the max level in WoW?
No, level 50 is not the max level. The current max level in modern WoW is higher and increases with each expansion.
12. Do you need epic riding to get flying?
In Burning Crusade Classic, you need Journeyman Riding (required for epic ground mounts) before you can learn to fly.
13. How much is an epic mount?
An epic quality mount typically costs 1000 gold.
14. Where are the best places to level from 40 to 50 in WoW Classic?
Good leveling zones for levels 40-50 in WoW Classic include Searing Gorge, Azshara, Tanaris, and Feralas.
15. How much is level 20 riding in WotLK Classic?
Apprentice Riding in WotLK Classic can be trained at level 20 for 5 gold, which can be further discounted with reputation.
Conclusion: Riding into the Sunset (or Sunrise)
Understanding the costs associated with riding skills and mounts at level 40 across different versions of World of Warcraft can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re meticulously saving gold in WoW Classic or exploring the vast array of mounts in modern WoW, knowing the prices and how to obtain discounts can save you valuable resources and allow you to enjoy the game to its fullest potential.
And remember, gaming isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the learning and social connections made along the way. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming. Happy riding!